The 5th anniversary International Tourism Forum "Travel!", held from June 10 to 15, 2025, at VDNKh in Moscow, concluded with record-breaking attendance and significant industry discussions. This year, the forum officially gained international status, solidifying its position as a key global event for Russia's tourism industry. It was organized by the Roscongress Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, and with support from the Government of the Russian Federation and the Moscow City Tourism Committee.
The central plenary session, moderated by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, featured welcoming remarks from President Vladimir Putin, read aloud by Deputy Prime Minister Chernyshenko, and a video address from Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Dmitry Chernyshenko highlighted the forum's expanding scale, noting the participation of representatives from 89 Russian regions and delegations from 30 countries. Over four thousand people attended the business program. He emphasized the "Tourism and Hospitality" national project as a key driver for the industry's growth, allowing for feedback from citizens and businesses and evaluating state support measures. Strategic solutions and proposals for improving tourism project implementation were also generated. Traditionally, discounted tour packages were available for purchase at the forum.
Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, underscored the forum's growing influence, stating it now holds a leading position among industry events. He reported record-breaking attendance for the festival program, exceeding 433,000 visitors, surpassing last year's figures. The business program included 61 sessions with 427 speakers, addressing critical issues such as infrastructure modernization, quality service standards, agritourism, import substitution, digitalization, and tourism product promotion. Special sessions on June 12, Russia Day, focused on human resource development and youth initiatives. Additionally, 30 cooperation agreements were signed between industry associations and businesses.
During the plenary session, Maxim Reshetnikov outlined the tourism industry's achievements in Russia for 2025, emphasizing its direct link to national prosperity, job creation, investment, and regional growth. He stated, "The 'Travel!' Forum has become a platform where the industry speaks the language of solutions, not problems." For the first time, Chernyshenko and Reshetnikov presented the Ministry of Economic Development's "For Contribution to Tourism Development" badges.
The festival area proved to be a major draw, showcasing Russian regions and 9 foreign countries through 140 exhibition objects from 438 organizations, including regional businesses, federal operators, accommodation providers, and tourism industry product manufacturers.
The festival program was rich with activities, including the House of Russian Cuisine with culinary masterclasses, an Okko Summer Cinema, and the Great Lecture Hall and "Develop!" Lecture Hall, which hosted 182 events with 276 speakers. A retreat tent offered wellness practices, and the main stage continuously featured over 100 creative groups and cultural shows. The "Samovarfest" joined on the final day. Online interactives, like a quest completed by 3,529 people, and the "Travel!" mobile guide, with 16,274 users, were popular among guests. Additionally, 62 excursions were organized for 1,395 participants by "More Than a Journey."
The "Travel!" Forum successfully united Russia's tourism industry, international professionals, and a broad audience of travelers, fostering new routes, ideas, and solutions for the future of the industry.
Blogs
